Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy missed Thursday’s practice as his fiancée Katya Kuropas went into labor with their first child, according to the Star Tribune.
The couple, who announced in May they’re expecting a baby boy in September, has not yet confirmed they’ve welcomed their son.
McCarthy is temporarily away from the Vikings as they prepare for a Week 2 “Sunday Night Football” clash with the Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The exciting news comes after McCarthy, who missed all of his rookie season in 2024 due to a knee injury, shined in his long-awaited NFL debut Monday night.
He threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes and ran for another as Minnesota rallied for a season-opening 27-24 victory over the Chicago Bears.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy drops back to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Monday, September 8, 2025, in Chicago. APKuropas celebrated on Instagram: “What a night!! So proud of you 🥹 Keep showin em’ 🙌 🤍.”
Vikings All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson was elated for McCarthy and Kuropas.
“If you’re seeing this now, congratulations, my boy. I’m excited for [you] with this new chapter,” Jefferson said on Wednesday, per the Star Tribune. “But after you get done, come on back.”
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy and his fiancée Katya Kuropas in January 2025. Instagram/Katya KuropasMcCarthy and Kuropas — who began dating when he attended Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Ill. and she was enrolled at Hinsdale Central High School in Hinsdale, Ill. — got engaged in January 2024.
“Me, You & Marley Forever & Ever,” they wrote in a joint Instagram post, referring to their English Cream Golden Retriever.
McCarthy proposed just two weeks after he led the Wolverines to a national title in his final season.
The No. 1-seeded Michigan beat No. 2 Washington, 34-13, at NRG Stadium in January 2024.
McCarthy and Kuropas will celebrate seven years together in October.
